College

By THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

HIDALGO, Tex. -- Renaldo Major made a free throw after a technical foul and Damion James made 1-of-2 from the line to account for the only points in the final minute as the Bakersfield Jam held on for a 115-113 victory over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at State Farm Arena in Friday's season opener.

Bakersfield led 111-103 with 3:41 to play, but the Vipers followed with a 10-2 run to tie the score at 113 with 1:03 left.

The body of a large paddle-tailed rodent was found early Tuesday in the traffic lanes of southbound Mohawk Street north of Truxtun Avenue, suggesting Bakersfield's fabled bike path beaver -- scourge of local saplings -- may have died.

The lush grasses and sweeps of wildflowers cloak much of the damage to the small canyon in a blanket of ephemeral green. But Ellen Cypher and Erin Tennant can see it as they walk along a sandy route that has been churned into the bottom of the wash by motorcyclists and quad riders.

Californian columnist Lois Henry's discussion about fireworks Wednesday on "First Look with Scott Cox" was as explosive as a firework itself. She didn't hold anything back as she described the Kern County Supervisor's decision Tuesday to continue allowing Piccolos and ground flowers to be sold in...